With heat warnings in effect for most of the province, south Island municipalities have made tips and resources available to help people keep cool.
East Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria, and the Southern Gulf Islands are under heat warnings with temperatures expected to reach daytime highs of 31 to 35 degrees Celsius inland and 25 to 29 degrees Celsius near the water. Early morning lows are expected to be between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.
These temperatures are expected to last until Saturday.
Following the heat dome in 2021 where 619 people died, the province implemented a heat warning system in an effort to prevent the high number of deaths due to the heat.
The B.C. Heat Alert Response System (HARS) has two-tiers to alert the province of heat events.
Under the system, a tier one response would be triggered if Environment and Climate Change Canada says daytime temperatures will reach a certain temperature then the nighttime temperatures do not fall below a certain temperature. The second tier would be triggered if these temperatures are expected for three days in a row.
The regional temperatures are:
- Southwest: daytime high of 29 C, nighttime low of 16 C (including Vancouver Island, except the northern part)
- Fraser: daytime high of 33 C, nighttime low of 17 C
- Southeast (Largely interior region of BC): daytime high of 35 C, nighttime low of 18 C
- Northeast: daytime high of 29 C, nighttime low of 14 C
- Northwest: daytime high of 28 C, nighttime low of 13 C (including northern Vancouver Island)
Victoria has rolled out part of its heat plan by setting up misting stations around the municipality.
To help keep residents and visitors cool, misting stations will be set up on fire hydrants across the city during daytime hours from Mon, July 25 to Thurs, July 28. To find the location of the misters, check out https://t.co/Hz2ESluTls 2/2
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) July 25, 2022
Saanich has made tips on how to stay cool available, and the district’s recreation centres are available to cool down, some for free, some with admission costs.
🌡️Heating up? Your community #Saanich Recreation Centres are here for you! Stop by & take advantage of one of these cool options.
🕘Hours and schedules at https://t.co/HxdYUybtAV pic.twitter.com/fvcmZcWEZa— Saanich Parks, Recreation & Community Services (@SaanichParksRec) July 25, 2022
This week is looking hot in #Saanich.@environmentca has issued a Heat Warning with highs ranging from 27-30° this week. Have a look at https://t.co/mcuVW84cOj for tips on keeping cool.🌞
Be sure to check out @VanIslandHealth @CDCofBC for other great tips to staying safe. pic.twitter.com/XdZ8WAaM6v
— District of Saanich (@saanich) July 26, 2022
Oak Bay has cooling centres available for free at Oak Bay Recreation Center and Monterey Centre.
High seasonal temperatures are here. The District has drop-in cooling centres at the Oak Bay Rec Centre and Monterey Rec Centre. Both areas are self-managed, available during open hours, and are accessible for people with mobility issues. Learn more: https://t.co/v4Jc7I8aXg pic.twitter.com/d7SLHpAJ7N
— District of Oak Bay (@DistrictOakBay) July 25, 2022
There will be a cooling centre set up in the Central Saanich Cultural Centre.
With the humidex creating temps that will feel like the mid-30s this week, we are asking the community to take precautions & check on neighbours. Temps are typically hottest from 4-6pm; this is a great time to visit the library, movie theatre or fins a place you can beat the heat
— Central Saanich (@CSaanich) July 25, 2022
In Sidney, the SHOAL Centre, located at 10030 Resthaven Drive, will serve as a cooling centre.
The Town has initiated its Heat Response Plan as there is a Heat Warning in effect from July 26 – 29. The air-conditioned SHOAL Centre (10030 Resthaven Drive) will serve as a Cooling Centre. Take precautions and check on neighbours. More info: https://t.co/791YGs00GU @SidneyVFire pic.twitter.com/CsfRPKPR31
— Town of Sidney (@townofsidneybc) July 25, 2022
The hours at splash parks in Langford have been extended due to the hot weather, and the Connection Point Church will be opening as a cooling centre.
The Connections Point Church is open as a Cooling Center 9:30 to 3:30 today at 103- 737 Goldstream Ave
Bring a snack- a game or a craft and take a rest in the cool air 🙂 pic.twitter.com/EYMoX466FZ— Langford Fire Rescue (@LangfordFire) July 26, 2022
The Westshore Emergency Program has compiled a map of spray parks, parks, lakes, beach access, water fountains, and air-conditioned public spaces for the public to access.
It’s hot! Use this map to find water fountains and places to cool off around the West Shore.https://t.co/Kzit6zbhAe pic.twitter.com/wNT3Ms8qsK
— City of Colwood (@cityofcolwood) July 24, 2022
In Metchosin there will be cooling centres available and misting stations installed at fire hydrants.
North Saanich, Esquimalt, and View Royal are offering tips on how to stay cool to their residents.
It’s going to be a hot week. Are you prepared to beat the heat and keep cool, calm and collected? Plan activities before 10am, or after 4pm when the sun’s UV and temperatures are on the downturn. If you must work or exercise, stay hydrated and include frequent rest breaks. pic.twitter.com/pcKKsC1uSq
— District of North Saanich (@NorthSaanich) July 25, 2022
✔️ Sunny day suggestion: Memorial Park has a fountain (pet-friendly AND human-friendly), lots of shade, washrooms and a playground for the kiddos. Benches and picnic tables, too. #exploreesquimalt
Still too ☀️? Keep cool in #Esquimalt @ our splash park or rec center#yyj pic.twitter.com/b2CcCHHS5t
— TownshipOfEsquimalt (@EsquimaltBC) July 26, 2022
Heat warnings are in effect for many areas of BC. Take steps to stay cool and stay safe.
Here are some tips from @VRFD – https://t.co/Fcl5spS2OA— Town of View Royal (@TownofViewRoyal) July 25, 2022
Laura Brougham
